Last month, after firefighters were able to contain the Jennings Creek Fire evacuations in Greenwood Lake were lifted and schools in Greenwood Lake welcomed students back.
The wildfire sparked along Jennings Creek in Sterling Forest on November 8. The wildfire quickly spread across state lines, hitting primarily West Milford and Greenwood Lake, due to the month-long drought and high winds that New York and New Jersey have been facing. The voluntary evacuation began in the late hours of November 16 after the Jennings Creek Fire crossed one of many containment lines set up by firefighters. Greenwood Lake Middle School was opened as a temporary evacuation site for those affected.
As of November 17, 2024, the Jennings Creek Fire has burned approximately 7,500 acres total throughout New Jersey and New York, making it the largest wildfire in New York since 2008. The fire was contained by a joint firefighting task force consisting of fire departments from across the state, six state agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, 18 wildland firefighters from Montana, and more. Four helicopters from the New York State Police and New York Air National Guard were dispatched for bucket drops on the fire. Firefighters conducted burnout operations, essentially fighting fire with fire, to remove potential fuel along the containment line. These backburns and the wildfire created smoke pollution that affected surrounding air quality.
It was feared for awhile that heavy winds could ignite more fires closer and closer to the Monroe-Woodbury area, posing a risk of evacuation. As climate change worsens the risk of wildfires in the future, it’s important for residents to have an evacuation plan set in place before a fire sparks. A “go-bag” allows leaving the evacuation zone to happen as seamlessly as possible. Throw in a go-bag: water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, whistle, cellphones, and other necessities.
In a press conference on Facebook Live, the Greenwood Lake Mayor, Chief of Police, Superintendent of Schools, and Town of Warwick Supervisor shared tips on how to stay safe and limit the spread of this fire. They explained that if you are close to a fire, which has started to creep up to houses, to “create a fire line” by moving leaves from your yard, gutter, and other areas. A statewide burn ban was in effect until November 30 to control the spread of the fires, so outdoors open fires, including for burning leaves or open campfires, are prohibited.
For those who want to help, there are numerous donations being accepted for affected residents, along with a GoFundMe page.
